Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common allergic disease of dogs, affecting approximately 10% of animals resulting in 15-20 million sufferers from the disease in Europe and US alone. Extensive itching causes the dog to scratch which results in loss of fur and secondary infections of the skin, accelerating the symptoms. AD not only affects the well being of dogs but also impacts the quality of life of their owners. CytoPoint, a monoclonal antibody against one of the disease-associated molecules is successfully marketed for use in dogs for the treatment of AD. Hence, we are developing vaccines SAH003 and SAH004 to induce antibodies against disease-associated target molecules using our novel vaccine technology. In 2015, the development of SAH003 our lead CAD vaccine was advanced through execution of a commercialization, manufacture, and distribution agreement with Benchmark Holdings PLC. Significant progress on the development of the CAD vaccine was made including lead optimization and successful completion of a pilot study in dogs. Proof of concept in a canine model of atopic dermatitis has been achieved and the data published (Bachmann, M.F., A. Zeltins, G. Kalnins, I. Balke, N. Fischer, A. Rostaher, K. Tars, and C. Favrot. 2018. Vaccination against IL-31 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. J Allergy Clin Immunol). In 2020, the development and commercialization rights for HypoCat were transferred from Benchmark to a leading global animal health company.